WARE - Karen M. Cullen, director of planning and community development, said the shelter at the high school on West Street will remain open through tomorrow, possibly longer, and said more than 50 percent of the town is still without electricity due to Saturday's snowstorm.

The downtown area and shops near the Big Y plaza have power. They are part of a small section that has had power since Monday, according to Cullen. National Grid posted on its website that power will be restored late Thursday night.

Those who are staying at the shelter are asked to bring blankets, pillows and their medications. No pets are allowed, Cullen said. She said decisions on school openings and closings are made on a daily basis. No decision had been made as of late Wednesday afternoon regarding school on Thursday.

She said tree crews are working to clear the roads, and said burning of brush is not being permitted at this time. If that changes, information will be posted on the town's website, www.townofware.com, on the Fire Department page. Updates about the snow emergency also can be found on the website.

Town officials have not made a decision about the collection of debris, as the focus remains on power restoration, she said.

Cullen advises people to be careful when using any equipment powered with gasoline or kerosene for heat or electricity, as these types of equipment produce carbon monoxide which is lethal - there were two deaths in neighboring Palmer due to carbon monoxide poisoning after a propane heater was used inside a mobile home for heat. All such equipment must be properly ventilated to the outdoors to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, she said.